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2026 Best Value Culinary Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Culinary Arts undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 550 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Trade College evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Culinary Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Johnson County Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Culinary Arts undergraduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Set in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $13,532. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,387 ten years after entry. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Culinary Arts ranking in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,326. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,399. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. Get the full Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College report
Out of the 550 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Clover Park Technical College landed the #3 spot. Set in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,634. Graduates carry a median of $15,154 in student loans. Clover Park Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,787 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,154 median debt. See the full Clover Park Technical College profile
El Centro College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Culinary Arts ranking in the United States. Based in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. El Centro College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $9,218 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. Set against $9,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on El Centro College
Out of the 550 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Madison Area Technical College landed the #5 spot. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Students borrow a median of $16,812 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,812 median debt. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Waukesha County Technical College placed #6 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Waukesha County Technical College is a public school based in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $16,595. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,894 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Southeast Community College Area landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $19,146. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. That is a strong return on a $19,146 median debt. Read more about Southeast Community College Area
Gwinnett Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $18,048. Gwinnett Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,025 a decade after entry. Set against $18,048 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Gwinnett Technical College profile
Kansas City Kansas Community College placed #9 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public school based in Kansas City, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,996, with out-of-state students paying around $6,482. Kansas City Kansas Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $13,129 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,795 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kansas City Kansas Community College
Arkansas State University Newport landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Arkansas State University Newport is a public school based in Newport, AR. In-state tuition and fees average $3,312, while out-of-state students pay about $4,752. Students borrow a median of $10,925 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Median earnings reach $41,524 ten years out. Set against $10,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Arkansas State University Newport
Oakland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,120 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $15,865. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,395. That is a strong return on a $15,865 median debt. More on Oakland Community College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $8,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,759 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Appleton, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,040, compared with $7,283 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $14,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,684. That is a strong return on a $14,234 median debt. Get the full Fox Valley Technical College report
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $10,864 in debt. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,864 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
San Jacinto Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Graduates carry a median of $11,376 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,062 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on San Jacinto Community College
Des Moines Area Community College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Des Moines Area Community College is a public school based in Ankeny, IA. Students from in state pay about $5,790 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $11,167. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. That is a strong return on a $11,167 median debt. Get the full Des Moines Area Community College report
Grayson College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Denison, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,000, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $11,627. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,873. Set against $11,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Grayson College
West Georgia Technical College placed #19 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Set in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,410, while out-of-state students pay about $5,978. Graduates carry a median of $12,651 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,479. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full West Georgia Technical College report
Schoolcraft College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Schoolcraft College is a public school based in Livonia, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,799, compared with $6,501 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,722 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Schoolcraft College profile
Augusta Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,400 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,523. That is a strong return on a $11,400 median debt. Get the full Augusta Technical College report
Kirkwood Community College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Kirkwood Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $15,375 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,016. That is a strong return on a $15,375 median debt. Read the full report on Kirkwood Community College
Cerritos College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Cerritos College is a public school based in Norwalk, CA. Students from in state pay about $1,364 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,004 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $11,306. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cerritos College profile
Grand Rapids Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Grand Rapids Community College is a public school based in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,179, while out-of-state students pay about $12,219. Graduates carry a median of $13,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Grand Rapids Community College report
Ogeechee Technical College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Statesboro, GA, Ogeechee Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,388, compared with $5,956 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $11,894. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,248. Set against $11,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ogeechee Technical College profile
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #26 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Located in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Southern Crescent Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,104 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Culinary Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Savannah Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Graduates carry a median of $12,843 in student loans. Median earnings reach $33,018 ten years out. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Savannah Technical College
Columbus Technical College placed #30 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbus, GA. Students from in state pay about $4,052 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,262. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $15,845. Columbus Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,238 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Columbus Technical College report
Atlanta Technical College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,382, with out-of-state students paying around $5,950. Students borrow a median of $17,655 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Median earnings reach $30,350 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,655 median debt. Get the full Atlanta Technical College report
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #32 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $19,386. Median earnings reach $41,113 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Milwaukee Area Technical College profile
Southwestern Oregon Community College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Southwestern Oregon Community College is a public school based in Coos Bay, OR. Students from in state pay about $7,192 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,349. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. See the full Southwestern Oregon Community College profile
Brookdale Community College placed #34 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Brookdale Community College is a public school based in Lincroft, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,270, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. Brookdale Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $12,651 in debt. Brookdale Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,379 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Houston Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,040, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Graduates carry a median of $26,217 in student loans. Houston Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,254 a decade after entry. Set against $26,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Houston Community College
Wake Technical Community College came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Wake Technical Community College is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Students borrow a median of $13,226 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,769. Set against $13,226 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wake Technical Community College
Lanier Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Lanier Technical College is a public school based in Gainesville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,980, while out-of-state students pay about $7,190. Students borrow a median of $12,278 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,623. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lanier Technical College
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
Icpr Junior College General Institutional placed #38 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Hato Rey, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664. Graduates go on to earn a median of $18,694 ten years after entry. Get the full Icpr Junior College General Institutional report
Western Iowa Tech Community College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $12,530. Median earnings reach $40,473 ten years out. Set against $12,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Western Iowa Tech Community College profile
Ozarks Technical Community College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $4,256 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,040. Students borrow a median of $10,501 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,455 ten years after entry. Set against $10,501 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Ozarks Technical Community College profile
Icpr Junior College Mayaguez ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Located in Mayaguez, PR, Icpr Junior College Mayaguez is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664. Icpr Junior College Mayaguez alumni report median earnings of $18,694 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Icpr Junior College Mayaguez
North Georgia Technical College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Clarkesville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. North Georgia Technical College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $12,279 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,932. Set against $12,279 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full North Georgia Technical College report
Icpr Junior College Manati placed #46 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Icpr Junior College Manati is a private for-profit school based in Manati, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664. Icpr Junior College Manati alumni report median earnings of $18,694 a decade after entry. Read the full report on Icpr Junior College Manati
Kalamazoo Valley Community College placed #47 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,144, while out-of-state students pay about $9,094. Kalamazoo Valley Community College Culinary Arts students take on a median of $14,382 in debt. Kalamazoo Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,618 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kalamazoo Valley Community College
El Paso Community College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Set in El Paso, TX, El Paso Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,274, with out-of-state students paying around $5,314. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $8,542. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,212 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt. Get the full El Paso Community College report
Icpr Junior College Arecibo placed #50 among the best-value Culinary Arts schools in the United States. Based in Arecibo, PR, Icpr Junior College Arecibo is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,664. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $18,694. Get the full Icpr Junior College Arecibo report
Culinary Institute Inc offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. This private for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,803. Graduates carry a median of $20,144 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,195 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,144 median debt. Read more about Culinary Institute Inc
Baker College Of Flint landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Owosso, MI, Baker College Of Flint is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,000. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,833. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Baker College Of Flint profile
Austin Community College District ranked #54 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. Set in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Typical Culinary Arts student debt is $14,519. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,177. Set against $14,519 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Escuela Hotelera De San Juan offered strong value this year, earning the #55 position. Located in Hato Rey, PR, Escuela Hotelera De San Juan is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,462. Students borrow a median of $3,500 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $20,854. That is a strong return on a $3,500 median debt. Get the full Escuela Hotelera De San Juan report
Atlantic Cape Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #56 position. This public school is set in Mays Landing, NJ. Students from in state pay about $5,594 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,350. The median Culinary Arts program debt is $11,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,241 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. See the full Atlantic Cape Community College profile
Suffolk County Community College ranked #57 on our 2026 list of the best-value Culinary Arts schools. This public school is set in Selden, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,630, with out-of-state students paying around $12,460. Students borrow a median of $11,246 to complete their Culinary Arts program here. Suffolk County Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,907 a decade after entry. Set against $11,246 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Suffolk County Community College
Related Culinary Arts Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Culinary Arts Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Culinary Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Culinary Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 550 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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